D-Day for boss Ryan as Carlow face final hurdle

KEVIN RYAN has sampled the big day atmosphere in Croke Park before with his native Waterford but today’s experience as he manages Carlow in the Christy Ring Cup final (4pm) will be far removed from that.

He is not talking about the game, which is as important as any he has been involved in. If Carlow win, they will be promoted to the top tier, a phenomenal achievement. No, what Ryan is referring to is the attendance, or sparseness of it, and the resultant absence of sense of occasion. And he thinks the GAA have done today’s final a disservice because of that.

“I think it should be in Croke Park but with a bigger game as it was set out originally. I think they are basically dishonouring the final by what they’re doing. I’m happy it’s in Croke Park but it should be in with a bigger game.”